CRE Outreach is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its new theater, The Blue Door, located at 9617 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, in the heart of Culver City.

The Blue Door is the first theater of its kind for individuals with disabilities, military veterans, and underserved youth. Home to Theatre by the Blind, Rex and Friends, Film by the Blind, Veterans Empowerment Theatre, Creative Youth Theatre, and Outreach Through the Arts, these signature programs of CRE Outreach enhance self-esteem, encourage self-expression, and allow individuals to overcome the challenges in their lives.

The inaugural production at CRE’s new theater, The Blue Door in Culver City, begins with a grand opening on Friday, April 13, 2018 and runs through May 12, 2018 and will coincide with the World Premiere of Lost in the Light, a play with original songs that forces audiences to grapple with the question, “Would you risk an experimental surgery if it meant it could restore your sight?”

Directed by Greg Shane, written by Pelita Dasalla with original songs by Laurie Grant and Chloe Copoloff, Los in the Light will be performed by Theatre by the Blind, the only blind theater company in the country, and by the gifted musicians with autism from Rex & Friends. This awe-inspiring production challenges conventional expectations about the capabilities of individuals who live without sight, who struggle with movement, or who have difficulty understanding the complexities of social interactions.

Dr. Eisenberger (Melanie Hernandez) determines Angel Taylor (Magally Ocampo)is a candidate for a surgery to restore her sight in ‘Lost in the Light’.Photo credit: Lynn Shane

Lost in the Lightcenters on headstrong student Angel Taylor, blind since birth, who has always taken her sighted family’s hyper-vigilance in stride alongside their overwhelming love and support. At the dawn of her budding journalism career, Angel learns about a rare opportunity to gain her vision through an experimental surgery. Along with her family, Angel grapples with the conflicting notions of seeing for the very first time or continuing to live in darkness. What will happen if she gains her vision but then finds herself lost in the light?

The gifted musicians and singers on the autism spectrum from Rex & Friends accompanying them are: Rex Lewis-Clack, August McAdoo, Patrick Storey, Alan Davis, Jonetta Ward, Igor Zaninovich, Jennifer Bevans, and Spencer Harte, with special guest rapper Rio “Soulshocka” Wyles, all of whom are extraordinary performers who have discovered the power of music to transcend any disability.

Lost in the Light opens Friday, April 13 and runs through Saturday, May 12, 2018, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm.

Please note the theater will be ‘dark’ (closed) on the following dates: